I'd go with UPS as well. If you go to a "UPS Store" they can pack it. They charge a premium for it, but it may be worth it as jalevinemd noted - especially if your friend is picking up the shipping & handling tab.

Be careful with the "UPS Store". I don't know if this is the case elsewhere, but here in California, many UPS Stores are privately owned and can charge whatever they want. As a result, I've seen UPS Stores that charge significantly more, even twice as much, as going to UPS directly.

And Jonathan is right about the packing. In case of damage they will inevitably foist the blame off on your packing - unless you had them do it. If you want to pack it yourself, I would at least have them inspect it and sign off on the packing before you send it (if they are even willing to do so).

My 2 cents; dealings with UPS here at work shows very little regard for package care regardless of how many 'Fragile' stickers are put on it. This probably holds true for DHL, Fedex,etc. I believe it stems from the idea of moving alot of packages in the quickest amount of time.

Maybe trying to find a smaller courier service would provide better care for a cherished musical instrument. Perhaps try contacting local music stores and see if they have a prefered service?

Pauldo , In my experience with UPS I concur ; I sadly must share my words of caution about "little lack of regard , regardless of how many "Fragile stickers are put on it".

Case and point being what UPS did to my Dolby equipment when it was shipped to me from Pinewood Studios in England, The worst part of that scenario was how difficult they were to collect from in reparation for their destruction.

When dealing with UPS I think the biggest factor is the amount of time the package is in transit. Alembic ships using 2 or 3 day which means the package does not spend a lot of time working through the UPS system. The couple of times I have shipped basses to Alembic I found they arrived sooner than promised which I attributed to using replacement cost insurance although it could be related to where I live.

I used to like and still use the USPS when possible however I've noticed they are using UPS and FedEx more often for the long haul portion of shipping. I haven't seen any additional damage yet. Then again I don't ship/receive as much stuff as I used to.